Guidance on the Audit of Customs Values

Case Studies: importations by a selling agent

Facts

A third country manufacturer supplies paper on reels to EC buyers through an EC selling agent. The manufacturer and selling agent, although separate legal entities, are subsidiaries in the same group. The goods are entered to free circulation by the selling agent and subsequently stored at their premises before sale.

The agent negotiates duty-inclusive prices with unrelated customers, which are invariably accepted by the manufacturer without question. The agent issues invoices and receives payment from customers.

The proceeds of sales are remitted to the manufacturer after deducting:

the costs of discharge from the ship

a commission of 2%

the costs of delivery to the agent’s premises

the cost of storage at the agent’s premises

the cost of delivery to the customer and

the customs duties and other taxes payable in the EC.

There are no similar or identical goods for comparison

Conclusion

As the customs value cannot be determined under Methods 1, 2 or 3, then Method 4 is appropriate.

All the elements shown above can be deducted under Article 152 of the CCIP as follows: